Crockpot Cooking - Advantages and Disadvantages
by: tony buel
In my 'un-biased' opinion, the crockpot / slow cooker is one of the most convenient and easy to use appliances in my kitchen. The time savings features of the slow cooker and the delicious dinners that have resulted more than offset any minor drawbacks.
Before I list my top reasons why the crockpot is the most useful appliance in any kitchen, I will list a few of the areas where it does not perform as well.
- Large cuts of meat such as boneless prime rib or leg of lamb are still best when oven roasted. - Except for stews and chowders, the slow cooker does not cook fish very well.
- The slow cooker collects a lot of the juices since the steam does not escape during cooking and these juices can become diluted and watery, which can affect the flavoring of the food.
- If not careful, a slow cooker can overcook food -especially some of the more tender meats and poultry. These drawbacks are relatively minor compared to the positives which I will list now.
- The slow cooker needs virtually no tending while it cooks, freeing you up to do other chores or recipes.
- The slow cooker will tenderize less expensive, tough cuts of meat and make great stews out of them.
- The slow cooker allows you to be out of the kitchen for extended periods of time
-sometimes even all day.
- Burning your food is rarely a problem. The slow cooker will make many dishes for you better than any other appliance
-especially those that tend to stick to the bottom of a pan. In my opinion the slow cooker is one of the most under-utilized and yet superior of kitchen appliances.
When used for what it does best, you will find that you are able to prepare great dishes in less time than you thought possible!
About the author:Tony has been working diligently to provide free cooking related resources for the chef in all of us. His website www.my-crockpot-recipes.comis a labor of love which provides delicious and easy to make crockpot recipes and related tips and advice.
Showing posts with label food online. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food online. Show all posts
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Use spices to cook like a connoisseur
USE SPICES TO COOK LIKE A CONNOISSEUR ON A PAUPERS BUDGET!
by: Beth Scott
Don’t have the money to make delectable dishes? Or just don’t know the secrets of flavoring with spices and herbs, and making food stretch? The former is never right no matter what your income is.
If you have the money to buy enough food to at least feed your family then you have enough money to make whatever you feed them enjoyable, even if it’s a vegetable dish. Yes, with the right spices or herbs, and recipes, the children in your family will come to love vegetables.
My family has several favorite veggie dishes, that our kids like so much they want seconds. And the main secret to them are the different spices we use. These dishes range from ratatouille, eggplant parmigiani, to stewed tomatoes and stuffed zucchini (for info on these or other recipes feel free to email me at sweetstuff245@hotmail.com).
Just as they do with vegetables; spices, herbs, and sweeteners are the secrets to making all foods delicious. These three food miracle workers can be relatively inexpensive if you know where to look.
In most health food stores (and in select supermarkets in growing numbers) there is a wondrous invention called a BULK section. I’m sure everyone knows what this is, but in case you don’t I’ll explain: It’s a section of a store that has all types of different flours, beans, cereals, spices, herbs, and much more.
Each of which are in separate containers or large plastic buckets with a scoop, that allows you to buy as much or as little as you want of what ever spices or other food they carry. The store provides you with bags and twist ties, for your convenience.
Spices are an excellent example of how cheap it can be to shop in bulk. Most small jars of spices or herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, etc... cost any where from two dollars a bottle to four ninety nine (which is technically five dollars a bottle).
In a bulk section you can buy these same spices, getting twice as much (or more) for less than a dollar or a little over. Talk about savings! Herbs and all kinds of spices are much cheaper bought this way than paying the extravagant prices you are charged for a pre packaged bottle of the same spices.
Flour and other cooking and baking necessities are also much cheaper if bought in a bulk section Note: buying in a bulk section does not mean you have to buy a lot of everything!
You could buy only one cup of flour in a bulk section if you wanted to or one tablespoon of any spices or herbs. Ideally you should shop around at whatever different stores in your area have bulk sections, and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the cheapest price.
Bring a calculator to the store and be prepared to do a little brain work to figure it out. Another money saving trick is to substitute ground turkey for ground beef in recipes. Here you might prefer the taste of beef but in terms of the money you save it will certainly taste heavenly to your budget.
You can spice up bland omelets, scrambled eggs, soups, meat patties and more with the correct spices, and herbs.
Here is a recipe for deliciously spicy eggs, that won’t dent your wallet:
For scrambled eggs try using 1/4 teaspoon thyme and pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and oregano, and 3 eggs.
Mix the eggs, spices, and herbs together in a bowl. Heat a frying pan on medium heat until very hot, then add your oil (preferably olive oil or coconut oil) to the pan.
Wait a few seconds until the oil starts to smoke, then pour the eggs from your bowl into the pan. Have a fork in your hand ready to scramble the eggs with, because they’ll start cooking instantly. Scramble the eggs for 30 seconds to a minute.
Then use a spatula to scoop them out onto a plate. Do yourself a favor and follow these tips to start saving money today.
About the author:For more of Beth’s insightful cooking expertise visit: http://breadmaking.apt-products.comFor more amazing recipes go to http://snipurl.com/90j8
by: Beth Scott
Don’t have the money to make delectable dishes? Or just don’t know the secrets of flavoring with spices and herbs, and making food stretch? The former is never right no matter what your income is.
If you have the money to buy enough food to at least feed your family then you have enough money to make whatever you feed them enjoyable, even if it’s a vegetable dish. Yes, with the right spices or herbs, and recipes, the children in your family will come to love vegetables.
My family has several favorite veggie dishes, that our kids like so much they want seconds. And the main secret to them are the different spices we use. These dishes range from ratatouille, eggplant parmigiani, to stewed tomatoes and stuffed zucchini (for info on these or other recipes feel free to email me at sweetstuff245@hotmail.com).
Just as they do with vegetables; spices, herbs, and sweeteners are the secrets to making all foods delicious. These three food miracle workers can be relatively inexpensive if you know where to look.
In most health food stores (and in select supermarkets in growing numbers) there is a wondrous invention called a BULK section. I’m sure everyone knows what this is, but in case you don’t I’ll explain: It’s a section of a store that has all types of different flours, beans, cereals, spices, herbs, and much more.
Each of which are in separate containers or large plastic buckets with a scoop, that allows you to buy as much or as little as you want of what ever spices or other food they carry. The store provides you with bags and twist ties, for your convenience.
Spices are an excellent example of how cheap it can be to shop in bulk. Most small jars of spices or herbs like basil, oregano, thyme, etc... cost any where from two dollars a bottle to four ninety nine (which is technically five dollars a bottle).
In a bulk section you can buy these same spices, getting twice as much (or more) for less than a dollar or a little over. Talk about savings! Herbs and all kinds of spices are much cheaper bought this way than paying the extravagant prices you are charged for a pre packaged bottle of the same spices.
Flour and other cooking and baking necessities are also much cheaper if bought in a bulk section Note: buying in a bulk section does not mean you have to buy a lot of everything!
You could buy only one cup of flour in a bulk section if you wanted to or one tablespoon of any spices or herbs. Ideally you should shop around at whatever different stores in your area have bulk sections, and compare prices to make sure you’re getting the cheapest price.
Bring a calculator to the store and be prepared to do a little brain work to figure it out. Another money saving trick is to substitute ground turkey for ground beef in recipes. Here you might prefer the taste of beef but in terms of the money you save it will certainly taste heavenly to your budget.
You can spice up bland omelets, scrambled eggs, soups, meat patties and more with the correct spices, and herbs.
Here is a recipe for deliciously spicy eggs, that won’t dent your wallet:
For scrambled eggs try using 1/4 teaspoon thyme and pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and oregano, and 3 eggs.
Mix the eggs, spices, and herbs together in a bowl. Heat a frying pan on medium heat until very hot, then add your oil (preferably olive oil or coconut oil) to the pan.
Wait a few seconds until the oil starts to smoke, then pour the eggs from your bowl into the pan. Have a fork in your hand ready to scramble the eggs with, because they’ll start cooking instantly. Scramble the eggs for 30 seconds to a minute.
Then use a spatula to scoop them out onto a plate. Do yourself a favor and follow these tips to start saving money today.
About the author:For more of Beth’s insightful cooking expertise visit: http://breadmaking.apt-products.comFor more amazing recipes go to http://snipurl.com/90j8
Create A Romantic Evening At Home
Create A Romantic Evening At Home
by: Marguerite Bonneville
You've decided to invite someone you're dating to your home for a romantic evening and you want everything to go well. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that result. There are a number of factors you need to consider when planning your romantic evening:
1. Your Physical Surroundings
It's a good idea to make sure your house or apartment is clean and tidy. It may not be anyone's primary focus but it will make an impression on your guest, even if it's subliminal.
Spend a few hours doing the cleaning yourself, hire someone to do it for you, or, at the very least, shove all that clutter into your closets or under the bed. Wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust and stains.
Apart from the living and dining areas, there are two other rooms that need your attention:
a. The bathroom Wipe down the sink/washbasin, tub and shower stall. Put a fresh cake of soap on the sink and hang fresh towels. At the very least your guest will use the bathroom to wash his or her hands so make sure it's a pleasant experience.
b. The bedroom Get rid of any extraneous clutter like clothes strewn around the room or on the floor. Change the sheets, make the bed and wipe down any surfaces. If your guest ends up spending the night, you don't want him or her racing off for a tetanus shot in the morning.
To create a romantic atmosphere in your bedroom, have some scented candles on hand and an easy-to-reach sound system. You might also consider buying a quilt cover in a rich, romantic color and a set of sheets to match.
2. Your Choice Of Menu While food can be an excellent means of seduction, it's a mistake to choose too complicated a menu unless you're an experienced cook and you don't get easily flustered. Simple dishes like spaghetti or ratatouille make a tasty and satisfying meal without spiking your anxiety levels.
The point is to enjoy the evening along with your guest, not treat the event like it's a university-entrance exam. How To Avoid Psycho-Chef Syndrome One trick is to prepare as much of the meal as possible beforehand so you're not rushing around like a pinball once your guest arrives. Have all the ingredients chopped, diced and ready for cooking.
Do this the night before or earlier that day, whatever works best for you. Salad ingredients can be prepared earlier and stored in separate containers, then added to the salad bowl and dressed before serving. You can even cheat by purchasing your meal from a favorite restaurant and having it delivered (or picking it up) before your guest arrives.
Definitely buy desert from your favorite bakery or supermarket, unless you're a wiz at whipping up a Pavlova or meringue. Another option is to prepare dessert the night before and reheat it if necessary when you're ready to serve it.
3. Your Cooking Area Make sure your kitchen is clean before you begin cooking. Yes, you'll no doubt make a mess once you start but you don't want yesterday's dishes in the way. Your guest may offer to help so the kitchen needs to meet minimum health standards.
It's up to you whether you accept this help or not, but we recommend that you do, even if it's only a token effort like tossing the salad.
Sharing cooking tasks can be a wonderfully romantic interaction as it creates a special kind of intimacy. Have you ever noticed how much more easily conversation flows when two people are doing a task, as opposed to sitting face to face?
4. Setting The Table Set the table beforehand. Use a good tablecloth, your best silverware and a nice set of plates. Use your best glasses and an attractive salt and pepper set, milk jug and sugar bowl. Show your guest that you went to some trouble to make the meal a special occasion. This is not the time for melamine dishes or chipped or mismatched crockery.
You're aiming for a touch of class. Use candlesticks on the table for a romantic ambience, or place candles on other surfaces around the room. Background music is a must but make sure it's romantic and subtle. Limit blaring rock and roll or rap to the period when you're preparing dinner, but please, no high-octane music while you're eating.
Set the sound at a low volume so it doesn't interfere with your conversation. And remember, if you don't play music during the meal you run the risk of filling any silences with the sound of people masticating.
5. Cleaning Up Later Don't let your guest anywhere near the kitchen after the meal is over. Hopefully you'll have better things to do with your time together. But all is not lost if they do insist on helping with the chores.
Many a couple has fallen in love while doing the dishes, for two main reasons:
1. As mentioned earlier, there's the ease of conversation that takes place when you're doing a task rather than concentrating on talking.
2. Doing dishes together is like playing house. It can actually feel very romantic, especially when one or both people realize, "This is what I want with this person." You won't get the same effect if you use a dishwasher, so set aside at least a couple of pots, which will you allow to suggest, "I'll wash and you dry." With a little forethought, anyone can create a romantic evening at home.
The old cliché, "the way to a person's heart is through their stomach", has more than a little truth to it. Test it yourself with someone you care about. The least you'll get is a great home-cooked meal.
About the author:Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer at http://www.favorite-recipes-online.com,a resource site dedicated to helping visitors access the best online recipes.
by: Marguerite Bonneville
You've decided to invite someone you're dating to your home for a romantic evening and you want everything to go well. Here are a few tips to help you achieve that result. There are a number of factors you need to consider when planning your romantic evening:
1. Your Physical Surroundings
It's a good idea to make sure your house or apartment is clean and tidy. It may not be anyone's primary focus but it will make an impression on your guest, even if it's subliminal.
Spend a few hours doing the cleaning yourself, hire someone to do it for you, or, at the very least, shove all that clutter into your closets or under the bed. Wipe down surfaces to get rid of dust and stains.
Apart from the living and dining areas, there are two other rooms that need your attention:
a. The bathroom Wipe down the sink/washbasin, tub and shower stall. Put a fresh cake of soap on the sink and hang fresh towels. At the very least your guest will use the bathroom to wash his or her hands so make sure it's a pleasant experience.
b. The bedroom Get rid of any extraneous clutter like clothes strewn around the room or on the floor. Change the sheets, make the bed and wipe down any surfaces. If your guest ends up spending the night, you don't want him or her racing off for a tetanus shot in the morning.
To create a romantic atmosphere in your bedroom, have some scented candles on hand and an easy-to-reach sound system. You might also consider buying a quilt cover in a rich, romantic color and a set of sheets to match.
2. Your Choice Of Menu While food can be an excellent means of seduction, it's a mistake to choose too complicated a menu unless you're an experienced cook and you don't get easily flustered. Simple dishes like spaghetti or ratatouille make a tasty and satisfying meal without spiking your anxiety levels.
The point is to enjoy the evening along with your guest, not treat the event like it's a university-entrance exam. How To Avoid Psycho-Chef Syndrome One trick is to prepare as much of the meal as possible beforehand so you're not rushing around like a pinball once your guest arrives. Have all the ingredients chopped, diced and ready for cooking.
Do this the night before or earlier that day, whatever works best for you. Salad ingredients can be prepared earlier and stored in separate containers, then added to the salad bowl and dressed before serving. You can even cheat by purchasing your meal from a favorite restaurant and having it delivered (or picking it up) before your guest arrives.
Definitely buy desert from your favorite bakery or supermarket, unless you're a wiz at whipping up a Pavlova or meringue. Another option is to prepare dessert the night before and reheat it if necessary when you're ready to serve it.
3. Your Cooking Area Make sure your kitchen is clean before you begin cooking. Yes, you'll no doubt make a mess once you start but you don't want yesterday's dishes in the way. Your guest may offer to help so the kitchen needs to meet minimum health standards.
It's up to you whether you accept this help or not, but we recommend that you do, even if it's only a token effort like tossing the salad.
Sharing cooking tasks can be a wonderfully romantic interaction as it creates a special kind of intimacy. Have you ever noticed how much more easily conversation flows when two people are doing a task, as opposed to sitting face to face?
4. Setting The Table Set the table beforehand. Use a good tablecloth, your best silverware and a nice set of plates. Use your best glasses and an attractive salt and pepper set, milk jug and sugar bowl. Show your guest that you went to some trouble to make the meal a special occasion. This is not the time for melamine dishes or chipped or mismatched crockery.
You're aiming for a touch of class. Use candlesticks on the table for a romantic ambience, or place candles on other surfaces around the room. Background music is a must but make sure it's romantic and subtle. Limit blaring rock and roll or rap to the period when you're preparing dinner, but please, no high-octane music while you're eating.
Set the sound at a low volume so it doesn't interfere with your conversation. And remember, if you don't play music during the meal you run the risk of filling any silences with the sound of people masticating.
5. Cleaning Up Later Don't let your guest anywhere near the kitchen after the meal is over. Hopefully you'll have better things to do with your time together. But all is not lost if they do insist on helping with the chores.
Many a couple has fallen in love while doing the dishes, for two main reasons:
1. As mentioned earlier, there's the ease of conversation that takes place when you're doing a task rather than concentrating on talking.
2. Doing dishes together is like playing house. It can actually feel very romantic, especially when one or both people realize, "This is what I want with this person." You won't get the same effect if you use a dishwasher, so set aside at least a couple of pots, which will you allow to suggest, "I'll wash and you dry." With a little forethought, anyone can create a romantic evening at home.
The old cliché, "the way to a person's heart is through their stomach", has more than a little truth to it. Test it yourself with someone you care about. The least you'll get is a great home-cooked meal.
About the author:Marguerite Bonneville is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) whose passion is publishing information online. She is a contributing writer at http://www.favorite-recipes-online.com,a resource site dedicated to helping visitors access the best online recipes.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tips to Buying Food Online
Tips to Buying Food Online
by: Melanie Breeze
Did you know that you could buy food online? I was amazed when I discovered this fact. There are hundreds of different food websites on the internet, all of which offer great deals and promotions.
So no matter what you are in the mood for, you can find it online. You can choose from steaks, lobsters, fruit, wine, chocolates, cakes, coffee, and much more.
What is available? You may be surprised to find out that almost any item that you desire can be purchased online. Many sites offer discount grocery deliveries, as well as gourmet treats. If you want a cheap elegant dinner date, try ordering two live Maine lobsters!
They will be shipped to your doorstep within 24 hours, complete with cooking instructions. You can make it surf and turf by adding some Omaha steaks to the menu. Top it off with a bottle of wine and imported chocolates. All purchased online, for less than you would think!
The trick to buying food online is to look for the best deals and promotions. A good food delivery site will have many important features. First you want to find someone that has been around for a while. I like the selection available at couponchief.com.
They only work with the best sites, and you can be sure that you are getting a good deal. Second look at their prices and selection. Most sites will offer various promotions and coupons for repeat customers. So if you get hooked on that fancy chocolate, it may be cheaper the next batch that you order.
You can also find coupon codes that may give you free shipping or 15% off the next purchase. Last, make sure to factor in the shipping costs. Good sites offers free shipping anywhere in the country. Most perishable items will need to be specially packed and rush delivered. Buying food online is a great way to get a good discount.
Websites have lower overhead and are able to give you the same product your local grocery store can, at a fraction of the retail price. What a great deal! And with the wide assortment and free shipping, you can’t pass up buying food online.
Consider sending a shipment of wine or steaks for cheap, easy gift giving. Most people love food gifts, so you can’t go wrong.
About the author:
Melanie Breeze, avid online shopper and user of http://www.CouponChief.comis always shopping around for the best deals. You can find food coupons available around the web at CouponChief, all in one location. Always find an online coupon 1st before making ANY purchase!
by: Melanie Breeze
Did you know that you could buy food online? I was amazed when I discovered this fact. There are hundreds of different food websites on the internet, all of which offer great deals and promotions.
So no matter what you are in the mood for, you can find it online. You can choose from steaks, lobsters, fruit, wine, chocolates, cakes, coffee, and much more.
What is available? You may be surprised to find out that almost any item that you desire can be purchased online. Many sites offer discount grocery deliveries, as well as gourmet treats. If you want a cheap elegant dinner date, try ordering two live Maine lobsters!
They will be shipped to your doorstep within 24 hours, complete with cooking instructions. You can make it surf and turf by adding some Omaha steaks to the menu. Top it off with a bottle of wine and imported chocolates. All purchased online, for less than you would think!
The trick to buying food online is to look for the best deals and promotions. A good food delivery site will have many important features. First you want to find someone that has been around for a while. I like the selection available at couponchief.com.
They only work with the best sites, and you can be sure that you are getting a good deal. Second look at their prices and selection. Most sites will offer various promotions and coupons for repeat customers. So if you get hooked on that fancy chocolate, it may be cheaper the next batch that you order.
You can also find coupon codes that may give you free shipping or 15% off the next purchase. Last, make sure to factor in the shipping costs. Good sites offers free shipping anywhere in the country. Most perishable items will need to be specially packed and rush delivered. Buying food online is a great way to get a good discount.
Websites have lower overhead and are able to give you the same product your local grocery store can, at a fraction of the retail price. What a great deal! And with the wide assortment and free shipping, you can’t pass up buying food online.
Consider sending a shipment of wine or steaks for cheap, easy gift giving. Most people love food gifts, so you can’t go wrong.
About the author:
Melanie Breeze, avid online shopper and user of http://www.CouponChief.comis always shopping around for the best deals. You can find food coupons available around the web at CouponChief, all in one location. Always find an online coupon 1st before making ANY purchase!
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